Car Battery Corrosion

Corrosion is the worst enemy of all electrical connections. Whenever moisture comes in contact with metal objects of any electric instrument, it causes corrosion. Since there is current going through the metal connections, they tend to attract and stick different compounds on them. These compounds join together and eventually disrupt connection between electrical contacts.

The car battery is a type of rechargeable battery which supplies electric power to various components. The basic function of a car battery is to kick start the car. Out of the many problems it may face, battery corrosion is common and sometimes can also spoil the whole battery, calling for replacement. However, the good part is that it can be prevented following easy instructions.

What Causes Battery Corrosion?

The main factor responsible is the hydrogen gas produced by sulfuric acid present inside. Whenever the battery is at work, little amounts of hydrogen gas are continuously released through the ventilation caps. Once out, this gas mixes with the dirt, humidity and heat in the air along with grease, coolant and oil inside the car hood, and corrodes battery terminals and cables. Corrosion is thus a natural process, which can prevented and avoided through proper car battery maintenance.

Cleaning Out the Car Battery

Gloves, eye protection gear, baking soda, a wrench, petroleum jelly and an old toothbrush are the materials you will require to get rid of the corrosion. You need to follow instructions given below, which will help you in the removal process:

Step 1
To start with, loosen all clamps using a wrench and unplug the battery cables. The positive cable needs to be removed first, followed by the negative one. When you keep these cables aside, make sure they do not touch each other. Place them separate from one another.

Step 2
You will then have to mix water along with baking soda and form a paste like solution. At each terminal posts, apply generous amounts of this paste with the help of an old toothbrush. When this paste is applied on the corroded areas, foam is noticed. Leave it as it is for about 5 to 10 minutes, so that it soaks up.

Step 3
To take out all remaining corrosion from the terminals, scrub them thoroughly using a toothbrush. Wash these areas with water and use paper towels to dry it out. Be careful and avoid getting the paste on your body parts or clothes.

Step 4
Once both terminal posts are washed and dried, use paper towels to apply a dense layer of petroleum jelly on each of the posts. Ensure that the whole terminal is covered with petroleum jelly. Now connect the battery cables you removed in the beginning back to their respective places. While reconnecting, the negative cable is attached before the positive one. Secure both cables by tightening them.

Tips and Warnings

• While cleaning the battery, it is recommended that you protect your eyes by wearing proper eye gear. Sparks may fly when you try attaching back battery cables.
• Remove any metal jewelry you may be wearing like bracelets, rings and even wrist watches with a metal strap while cleaning the car battery. When metal objects come in contact with terminals it could cause burns on your hand.
• Battery acid is hazardous and hence it is advised not to touch the corrosion or white powder with bare hands. In case you do, make sure you wash your hands immediately and apply some baking soda at the place.
• Every time you refill the washer fluid, it is important to check for battery corrosion.
• Follow the sequence for removing and attaching terminals as given in the instructions, to avoid an electric shock.
• Although baking soda is best for this job, you can also use any aerated drinks or hydrogen peroxide if you wish to.

There are certain prevention kits available in the market, which are effective in preventing corrosion. Applying such products or by regularly cleaning and maintaining the battery, you can ensure that corrosion does not get the better of your battery.